We are saddened to report that our Manager Chris Righton passed away suddenly on the 10th of November 2017.

Affectionately known as the “big guy” at MB Spares, Chris worked with us for just under 15 years. Chris’s encyclopaedic like knowledge of not only all thing Mercedes, but of all things automotive was astounding. Often politely correcting others on subjects ranging from total loss oil systems to exactly how rare such and such a model was. The legacy he has left behind is all the knowledge and passion that he has passed onto those around him about all things automotive.

Chris regularly attended the Victorian, NSW and ACT Mercedes-Benz club concourses and a wide range of car shows of all makes and nationalities feeding his love of cars in general. His death is a great loss to both his immediate family and his family at MB Spares, we will miss him greatly.

His funeral will be held at 10:30am on Saturday the 2nd of December at the Norwood Park Memorial Gardens. The address is 65 Sandford Street, Mitchell ACT 2911. All are invited to attend and pay their respects. As there will be some light refreshments provided afterward by the family, they have asked that you advise the staff at MB Spares that you may be attending. No issues if your attendance is a last minute decision, we are just looking for rough numbers.

I found a few piccies. Chris had a love for all cars in general - but in his Mercedes history and growing up there were 114's in the family, and he also owned a 114 coupe with a 5 speed manual - (separate thread on the forum here).
His daily was a 124 when he 'modernized'. He was a big fan of 124's and their universal practicality.

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The 124 was always a regular attendee at ACT MB Club Concours.

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And when he wasn't preparing his own car, Chris would be treating the AMG3.4 to it's annual dose of TLC.

Other than his secret love for the 500E,(not the e500) the AMG3.4 coupe was without a doubt the only car he really had a true affection for. So much so that we'd often have lighthearted banter over who was going to prise it from John's hands first. Of course Chris always claimed he had first dibs, and I'd retort in the usual jest 'not if I get there first, over my dead body etc.' - but now that dream of his is never to be realized.

It's hard remembering all the fun times, Chris' enthusiasm for all things Mercedes-Benz, the weeknights after hours in the workshop waiting for me to finish my car so he could lock up, weekends chilling out, and the long educational discussions over lunches and dinners. Chris truly was a wealth of knowledge, and not just 'stuff' - but the really miniscule detail that was often overlooked by others.

I always learned something from a conversation with Chris, and that's probably one of the things I guess I'll miss the most - riging up and having a chat, and talking about interesting work projects, or finding out that Stuttgart now lists half the stuff I'm ordering as NLA - and then I start cursing, only to find he's having a lend of me.

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Other than his secret love for the 500E,(not the e500) the AMG3.4 coupe was without a doubt the only car he really had a true affection for. So much so that we'd often have lighthearted banter over who was going to prise it from John's hands first. Of course Chris always claimed he had first dibs, and I'd retort in the usual jest 'not if I get there first, over my dead body etc.' - but now that dream of his is never to be realized.

I never thought I would see a posting with this title. Chris was very big and very generous with his advice. When telephoning MB Spares or being there in person it was always a toss-up as to whether Chris or Murray would produce the most sarcastic barb - Chris was normally the gentler.
He was a unique personality and is irreplaceable. Although he knew a lot about cars his main skill was interacting with people. As the Maitre-d' of a world-class restaurant he would have been perfect. As the man who presented your bill at MB Spares he was very effective ...

I once saw him squeeze behind the steering wheel of a W121 (probably as old as he was) - it was a tight fit.
He is now teaching God about the relative merits of the M116 and the M117. You can bet He is paying attention.

Thank you everyone who has posted, called in, e-mailed, etc, etc. The response it a little overwhelming, but also a statement as to Chris's position in our community and the respect that he had. I described it to someone as Chris being our anchor and that now MB Spares was drifting at sea.

However, when I reflect on his death I can't help but feel that whilst our loss is great, his family's loss is considerable greater.